FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT SHOULD I DO ON THE DAY OF MY TATTOO?

There are several things you can do to make your experience easier and more enjoyable.

Firstly, try and make sure you have had something to eat and drink about an hour before your tattoo. During the tattoo, your body behaves in a way very similar to going into shock, as it generates endorphins to deal with the attack on the skin. This can cause a drop in blood sugar, resulting in light-headedness, and sometimes nausea or fainting. Having a meal and consuming natural sugars, such as orange juice can help to prevent this. If you feel faint during your tattoo, let your artist know immediately, and they will help you through it. Don’t be ashamed of telling them, if you have chosen your studio wisely, they will be totally sympathetic to your needs and help you through the experience with dignity. Often a tattoo studio will offer you hard boiled sweets or a lolly to help keep your sugar up during the tattoo.

Secondly, think about what you are going to wear. You know where you are likely to get your tattoo, so make sure you dress so that you can expose this general area while at the same time maintaining your dignity. Usually the studio area can be covered (door closed or a screen put in place), if you are feeling particularly vulnerable. Have these conversations with your studio and they should be able to tell you what they can put in place to make you feel comfortable.

Don’t wear your Sunday best. While tattoo ink will generally not stain clothes, and your artist will do everything they can to keep your clothing clean, there is always the possibility of getting ink on your clothes so dark clothing is favourable. Tattoo ink is very concentrated, and will go a very long way, so it’s always best to bear this in mind when choosing the day’s wardrobe. If you do need to remove tattoo ink from your clothing, you will need to do so on a very hot wash.

It is illegal and ill advised to get tattooed while under the influence of alcohol. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol will not make your experience any better. It actually makes the process more difficult for you as well as the artist and raises the risk of complications. Other drugs, including Marijuana, can also have a negative impact on the process.

CAN I GET TATTOOED WHILE PREGNANT OR BREAST-FEEDING?

No. Your body is going through tremendous changes and stress. Getting tattooed while pregnant or breast-feeding can negatively impact either/or your health and that of your baby. It’s simply not worth the risk.

SHOULD I EAT BEFORE I GET TATTOOED?

It is ideal to eat a healthy portioned meal within four hours of being tattooed. You don’t want to be starving or stuffed. Having stable blood sugar bolsters your immune system and helps the body deal with the fluctuation of endorphins, which are released during the tattoo process. For long tattoo sessions bring some fruit and trail mix. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and aspirin.

CAN YOU FIX/COVER-UP A BAD TATTOO I HAVE?

Probably. Not every tattoo is an ideal candidate for fixing or covering. Additionally cover-ups require a special skill set and not all artists are good at them. A consult is essential to determine and discuss what imagery is necessary to adequately cover the old work. Consults are free and generally take 10-30 minutes to complete.

CAN YOU TATTOO OVER A SCAR?

It depends on the severity and maturity of the scar. This is judged on a case-by-case basis; in general, a scar should be at least one year old. Come in to discuss your options.

WHAT IS THE MOST PAINFUL PLACE TO BE TATTOOED?

Again, pain is subjective and varies from person to person. Do not choose an area or a size based on the pain factor. The beauty of the tattoo will last for decades longer than the brief period of discomfort it takes to complete the tattoo.

WHAT IF I’M ALLERGIC TO LATEX?

In general, it is important to inform your artist of any allergies or medical conditions. Nitrile gloves are the industry standard for the tattoo procedure.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY TATTOO?

Listen to your artist! Your artist is the expert and they are invested in your healing their work properly so that the resulting healed tattoo is something that makes you both proud. See more information on Tattoo Aftercare.

HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT MY TATTOO TO TAKE TO HEAL?

Tattoos when cared for properly takes approximately around 3 weeks to initially heal. After 3 weeks you should be able to resume normal activities (swimming, gym, etc.) It takes a couple months for full healing.

WHAT AREA OF THE BODY IS HARDEST TO HEAL?

Blood flow is an integral part of the healing process so the closer to the heart the better the healing. Healing of the lower legs and feet can take longer based on that fact. Another significant factor in healing is friction. Tattoos on the torso where clothing constricts and where pivotal movement is constant can lead to longer heal times and complications. Areas of the body with natural seams, like elbows and knees can have a harder time healing as well.

IS IT NORMAL FOR MY NEW TATTOO TO SCAB?

Scabbing, flaking, peeling, dryness and a hazy appearance are all natural parts of the healing process. However, severe scabs that are deep and thick may indicate a need to change your aftercare routine and should be addressed with your tattoo artist.

CAN I TAN?